Starbucks Adding Digital Tipping, Mobile Ordering to its Mobile App

Popular coffee chain, Starbucks, will be adding a new feature to its iPhone coffee app on March 19: digital tipping. In a press release about the new app update, Starbucks “has been a top suggestion on MyStarbucksIdea.com, an online community for people to share, vote, discuss and put into action ideas on how to enhance the Starbucks Experience.” The new update will also include a shake to pay feature which allows users to bring up their Starbucks’s card barcode for payment.

Changes like these, including a new design, will not reach the Android app until later this year, when Starbucks will add a pre-order option for under-caffeinated drinkers. Users will be able to order their lattes in advance of going to the store for pick-up.

Through the Starbucks for iPhone® app, customers can enjoy the following features:

Mobile Payment – For customers looking for the fastest way to pay, the Starbucks App for iPhone offers customers the convenience of paying for their favorite Starbucks® beverages with their mobile devices.

Digital Tipping (NEW!) – Customers can show their appreciation to store partners by tipping through the Starbucks App for iPhone. Customers are given the option to provide a tip in the following denominations: $0.50, $1.00, $2.00.

Shake to Pay (NEW!) – To simplify mobile payments, customers can now bring the barcode of their Starbucks Card front and center at any time, simply by shaking their mobile device.

My Starbucks Rewards™ status – The My Starbucks Rewards™ screen has been redesigned to streamline viewing of Rewards history. The display also features new transaction types, such as multiple transactions in a single day and promotional offers, in one integrated view.

Reload – Customers can reload their Starbucks Card balance directly from their mobile device with a major credit card. Customers can even set up automatic reloads.

Store Locator – Customers can search for the closest Starbucks® stores, view the amenities available at each store, and save favorite stores.

Starbucks Card eGift- Allows customers to treat friends and family to their favorite Starbucks® beverage, food or merchandise through a fast and easy virtual gift from their iPhone®. Starbucks Card eGifts can be customized with a personal message and sent directly using contacts for any amount between $5- $100. (U.S. only)